The Crisis In A Nutshell: Quotes of the Week

“Who am I to judge a gay person of goodwill who seeks the Lord?” —Pope Francis, after his trip to Brazil, on how the Catholic Church should treat gay clerics. (More on the Pope from Alexander Stille.)

“It’s really, I think, kind of sad and cheap that he would use the cloak of 9/11 victims and say, ‘Oh, I’m the only one who cares about these victims.’ Hogwash.” —Senator Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, responding to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s remarks that his state lost the second most amount of people in 9/11.

“Am I happy? I’d like to be President of the United States.” —Senator John McCain, Republican from Arizona, in an interview with the New Republic.

“Fucking slutbag. Nice fucking glamour shot on the cover of the Daily News. Man, see if you ever get a job in this town again.” —Anthony Weiner’s communications director, Barbara Morgan, responding to the former intern Olivia Nuzzi’s interview in which she spoke about working on the campaign for Weiner’s mayoral bid.

“I would hope that President Obama would engage President Putin on this issue and resolve it in a way that’s satisfactory to the American people.” —Speaker John Boehner, Republican from Ohio, responding to Russia granting temporary asylum to the N.S.A. leaker Edward Snowden. (John Cassidy comes out in defense of Snowden.)

“She knows the Fed, and she’s very highly qualified. And I think a woman as head of the Federal Reserve, a qualified woman, would be a very positive thing for this Administration.” —Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat from California, responding to questions about the prospect of nominating Janet Yellen for the role of Federal Reserve Chair.

“It’s no secret that this is a difficult process. If it were easy, it would have happened a long time ago.” —Secretary of State John Kerry announcing that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to begin formal peace talks. (More on the announcement from Sarah Wildman.)

“I have two daughters at home, and I’m sensitive to that, and above all, I want to be a role model, continue to be a role model—especially to my girls.” —New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez commenting on his role in the Biogenesis saga. (Caitlin Kelly predicts life for the Yankees after A-Rod.)

“Have everyone sit down and shut up.” —Majority Leader Harry Reid, Democrat from Nevada, expressing frustration over the tempers flaring on the House floor before the August recess.